Railroad sleeper and rail fastening



Feb. 21, 1928. 1,659,616 J. A. SILVER RAILROAD SLEEPER AND RAIL FASTENING Filed May 10. 1927- 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 111 1: O 1 Q I O 1 J0 O 7 79 f0 mmpcslm, fflm O i 0 :MQL 1 v. m O O ,MIO Au: 0 be f T f .M% o E 4 7/: 019 fin mw 01C 2 T M 0 K d ;p n. no o o Feb. 21, 1928.

J. A. SILVER RAILROAD SLEEPER AND RAIL FASTENING Filed May 10. 1927 2 sheets-sum 2 I N VEN TOR.

ciently light to be easily transportable.

Patented Feb. 21, 1928.

UNITEDSTATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOSEPH A. sInvER, on NEW YORK, a. Y.

RAILROAD SLEEPER AND RAIL FASTENING.

Application filed May 10,

posed lengthwise ofthe rail and is so formed underneath that any ballast that gets under the lip of the sleeper will tend to work itself toward the center of the sleeper andkeep the sleeperproperly tamped up, the metallic sleepers having numerous perforations therein in order to'see that thesame are properly tamped up. I I I Another object is to make a metal sleeper which can be economically manufactured so as to make it comparable with the cost of ordinary wooden sleepers.

Another object is to make metallic sleepers that will be durableand reliable while suffi- Still another object is to provide novel means for fastening the rails to the sleepers so that they will be firmly secured thereto,

' and which will enable the rails to be insulated from the sleepers, as-required in electric railway signaling systems.

In the accompanying'drawin s I have illustrated a sleeper and rail Fastener em bodying the invention, and will describe the same in detail with reference thereto; and summarize-in the claims the novel features of construction and novel combinations of parts for which protection is desired.

In said drawings I Fig. 1 is a top plan View of the complete sleeper; y

Fig. 2 is a side view thereof;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. iis an enlarged transverse section on the line 44, Fig. 1, showing the rail'fastening devices; 1

Figs. 5 and 6 are enlarged transverse sections on the lines 5-5 and 6 6 respectively, of Fig. l; I

Figs. 7 and 8 are detail views of one of the adjustable rail clamps.

The sleeper comprises an approximately rectangular or oval casting 1 which isconvex 011 its upper surface and concave on its under surface, and somewhat irregular in cross section, the general contour thereof being illustrated in Figs. 2 to 6 of the drawings This sleeper has a central longitudinal'elongated 1927. Serial 30. 190,321

portion .lithe top of which is approximately horizontal; at the sides of this central portion the sleeper is curved downwardly as at 1, Fig. 5,and beyond these portions 1 the sides-extend outwardly and downwardly on a slight inclination, forming what I term side portions or wings 1".

The sleeper isstrengthened by integral ribs; As shownithas transversely disposed rlbs 1' on its upper side integral with the wings 1? and portions 1*. Intermediate the ribs 1 are pairs of transverse ribs 1 and .1

The sleeper is further strengthened by transversely disposed ribs 1? on its underside. The sleeper is also strengthened by integral reinforcing ribs 1 on its underside, see Fig. 6, which intersect the ribs. 1 as indicated. in thedrawings. I I V For the purpose of lightness the shell of the sleeper is preferably provided with nu- I merousopenings as at 1*, which also enable the workmen to see that the sleeper is properl 'tamped up. I

n the top of the longitudinal central portion of the sleeper are formed four seats A, B, C, D, extending in a line from end to end thereof, which'seats are adapted to receive blocks W of wood, fiber, or other sound deadening material which blocks are interposed between the seats and the rail It. These blocks maybe cut to fit the seats and may be of any positioned on the seats by projecting lugs 1 at the edge. of theseats, which may be of any desired number and may be cast integral with thesleeper. These lugs projecting from the to side of the plate as shown, prevent lateral isplacement of the blocks W when in place .on the seats. Transversely disposed "ribs 1 may be arranged between adjacent seats, as indicated in the drawings. For convenience in manufacture these ribs 1 may be the mouths of the gates through which the metal is poured into the mold to cast the sleeper; the gates are indicated by the dotted lines G in the drawings, and the metal risers or heads formed in the gates at the time of casting the sleeper can be readily broken ofi leaving the ribs 1 in place.

The pairs ofribs 1", and 1 are arranged transversely of the plates of the sleeper, at

about thelongitudinal center thereof and approximately in line with the central rib 1 intermediate seats B and C. The spaces suitable thickness, and they are I between the ribs 1 and 1 form pockets E, F through which the nuts can be inserted into the sockets 1 hereinafter referred to. The outer ends of the ribs 1 are preferably inturned as at 1, or otherwise formed to en the head of tie rods (not shown) such as are shown and described in my Patent No. 1,378,383, dated lilay 17, 1921; and by wnich the adjacent similar sleepers underlying opposite rails of the track can be securely bonded together.

in the top portion of the sleeper, adjacent the inner ends of the pairs of ribs 1 and 1, are formed openings or sockets 1 which are'preferably angular in cross section and tapered or larger the bottom than at the top. These sockets are adapted to receive angular-1y tapered nuts which can be inserted therein from-beneath by entering the nuts between the ribs 1 and 1 as indicated in Figs. 1, i, and 7. p

After a rail lit is mounted upon the wooden blocks il the opposite sides of the rail are engaged by rail clamps 2 (see Figs. l, 7, 8) which are polygonal, each being shown as four sided and having an eccentrically disposed opening 2 for the passage of a securing bolt 3, and each clamp is provided in its sites with recesses 2 adapted to receive the edge of the flange of the rail. The base portion 2 of the clamp is provided with interconnected slots 2 and 2 at right angles to each other, and parallel with the sides. Either of these slots can be engaged with a link 5 which is provided with holes 5 near its opposite ends adapted to register with the holes 2* in the clamps. In applying the fastenings, after the rail is in place on the wooden seats (see Fig. i) a link 5 is slipped under the rail transversely thereof, between he seats B and G and over the sockets 1*. Then clamps 2 are slipped on the ends of the links until the holes 2 in the clamps register with holes 5; then bolts 3 are passed through the clamps and plate and engaged with tapered nuts l which have been previously placed in the sockets 1 Then the bolts 3 may be tightened, by suitable wrenches, to bind the rail firmly to the sleeper.

In cases where it is desired to insulate the rail electrically, nonconducting bushings 6 may be placed between the nuts 4 and the walls of the sockets 1 in order to compensate for wear, or variation in width of the rail bases the openings 2 in the clamps are located eccentrically of the body of the clamp, as shown in Fig. 7-; and by turning the clamp 90 degrees the actual distan"e between the edge of the rail and the center of the bolt can be varied and consequently different widths of rails can be secured, or wear on the rails can be compensated for as these adjustable clamps enable the rail to be adjusted slightly laterally on the tie, and secured in such adjusted very strong; and also are easily adjustable to compensate for wear.

Preferably the nuts l are made of brass to prevent the nuts rusting to the sleeper, and to facilitate the removal or adjustment of the fastenings if it becomes necessary-to remove or. adjust rails.

The link ties the bolts on opposite sides of the rail together, so both contribute to prevent lateral displacement ofthe rail in either direction- I i It is not necessary or desired to use concrete to fill the sleeper, as it may be filled with ordinary ballast. Any ballast that gets under the wings of the sleeper will work towards the center of the sleeper, and keep it tamped up.

The tie is preferably perforated with holes about inch in diameter. This enables the trackman to see'that the sleeper is properly tamped up with broken stones; and the transverse integral strengthening ribs render the'tie very rigid and prevent its yielding or breaking in case it should not be properly tamped.

I claim 1. A sleeper adapted to extend lengthwise of the rail, comprising an approxirn'ately rectangular hollow body convex on its upper surface and concave on its under surface and having a longitudinal centrally disposed raised portion, and downwardly and outwardly inclined wings on opposite sides of said raised portion, whereby ballast is directed toward the center of the sleeper; the top of the central raised portion being provided with a plurality of rail seats substantially as described.

2. A sleeper as set forth in claim 1, having a tie engaging portion at one side, and openings or sockets for the engagement of rail fastening devices adjacent the. rail seats.

3. A sleeper as set forth in claim 1, having transversely. disposed depressions near its center, and sockets adjacent the inner ends of said depressions for the engagement of rail fastening devices, substantially as described.

4. A sleeper as set forth in claim 1, having angular tapered sockets adjacent opposite sides of the central raised portion thereof, and intermediate adjacent rail seats for the engagement of rail fastening devices.

5. A sleeper as set forth in claim 1, having pairs of transversely disposed 'reinforc-.

ing ribs at opposite sides of the raised portion, sockets between the said pairs of ribs at opposite sides of the raised portion for the engagement of rail fastening devices, and tie engaging members at the outer end of one of said pairs of ribs.

6. A sleeper adapted to extend lengthwise of the rail, said sleeper comprising an approximately rectangular hollow body convex on its upper surface and concave on its under surface and having a longitudinal centrally disposed raised portion, and downwardly and outwardly inclined wings on opposite sides of said raised portion, whereby ballast is directed toward the center of the sleeper; and having transversely disposed integral reinforcing ribs connecting the wings with the central portion, the top of the central raised portion being provided with a plurality of rail seats substantially as described.

7. A sleeper as set forth in claim 6, having a tie engaging portion at one side, and openings or sockets for the engagement of rail fastening devices adjacent the rail seats.

8. A sleeper as set forth in claim 6, hav ing transversely disposed depressions near its center, and sockets near the adjacent inner ends of said depressions for the engagement of rail fastening devices.

9. A sleeper as set forth in claim 6, hav ing angular tapered sockets adjacent opposite sides of the central raised portion thereof, and intermediate the adjacent rail seats for the engagementof rail fastening devices.

10. A sleeper as set forth in claim b, having pairs of transversely disposed reinforcing ribs at opposite sides of the raised portion, sockets between the said pairs of ribs and at opposite sides of the raised portion for the engagementof rail fastening devices, and tie engaging members at the outer end of one of said pairs of ribs.

11. A sleeper adapted to extend lengthwise of the rail, and of greater length than width, comprising an approximately rectangular hollow body convex on its upper surface and concave on its under surface and having a longitudinal centrally disposed raised portion, and downwardly and outwardly inclined wings on opposite sides of said raised portion; transversely disposed integral reinforcing ribs on the upper side of the said wings, connecting the same with the central portion; transversely disposed integral reinforcing ribs on its under side, and longitudinally disposed integral reinforcing ribs on its underside; the top of the central raised portion being provided with a plurality of rail seats, substantially as described.

12. A sleeper as set forth in claim 11, having a tie engaging portion at one side and having openings or sockets for the engagement of rail fastening devices adjacent the rail seats.

13JA sleeper as set forth in claim 11, having transversely disposed depressions near its center, and sockets near the adjacent inner ends of said depressions for the engagement of rail fastening devices.

14:. A sleeper as set forth in claim 11, have ing angular tapered sockets adjacent opposite sides of the central raised portion there of, and intermediate the adjacent rail seats for the engagement of rail fastening devices.

Asleeper as set forth in claim 11, having pairs of transversely disposed reinforcing ribs atopposite sides of the raised portion, socket portions between the said pairs of ribs and'at opposite sides of the raised portion for the engagement of rail fastening devices, and tie engaging members at the outer end of one of said pairs of ribs.

16. A sleeper for the purpose specified adapted to extend lengthwise. of the rail, and of greater length than width, said sleeper comprising an approximately rectangular hollow body convex on its upper surface and concave on its under surface and having a longitudinal centrally disposed raised portion, downwardly and outardly inclined Wings on opposite sides of said raised portion; transversely disposed integral relnforcing ribs on the upper side of the said wings, transversely disposed integral reinforcing ribs on its under side, and longitudinally disposed integral rein forcing ribs on its underside; the top of the central raised portion being provided with a plurality of rail seats, the body of said sleeper having numerous perforations, said sleeper having a tie engaging portion at one side near the center, and having openings or sockets for the engagement of rail fastening devices.

17. In combination with a sleeper having rail seats, angular sockets at opposite sides of said seats, clamps adapted to engage opposite sides of the flange of a rail, a link adapted to extend under the rail and engage said clamps, nuts in the sockets, and bolts trans'lixing the clamps and link and engaging the nuts.

18. In combination with a sleeper having rail seats, angular tapered sockets at opposite sides of said seats, clamps engaging opposite sides of the flange. of a rail, a link extending under the rail and engaging said clamps, angular tapered nuts in the sockets, and bolts transfixing the clamps. and link and engaging the nuts.

19. In combination with a sleeperhaving rail seats, sockets at opposite sides of said seats, opposite clamps adapted to engage the opposite flanges of a rail having peripheral notches to engage the flanges and seats for engagement with a link, a link adapted to extend under the rail and engage the slots in said clamps, nuts in the sockets, and belts transtiiting the clamps and link and engaging the nuts to secure, the rail to the sleeper.

20. In combination With a sleeper having; rail seats, ang 'er tapered sockets at Oppesite sides seats, clamps adapted to engage eppesiee Sldbn of the flange of a rail, and having transveia e intersecting slots for en 'a 'ement with a link a link acla otecl 10 t) b 7 1 to extend under the rail and engage the slot-s in said elainps, angular tapered nuts in the sockets and bolts ti'anstiizing the clamps and link and enga 'in'g the nuts to secure the rail to the sleeper.

In test many that I claim the 'l'ei'egeing my own, 1 aliix my signature.

JOSEPH A. SELJER. 

